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Vulnerability Intelligence

CVE-2018-0296

HighExploitedPublic exploit

A vulnerability in the web interface of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition.

Published Jun 7, 2018 · Updated Aug 11, 2026

Key Facts

Patch immediately
  • CVE-2018-0296 is a high-severity vulnerability (CVSS 7.5 v3.1) affecting Firepower Threat Defense (Cisco), Secure Firewall Threat Defense (Cisco), Adaptive Security Appliance Software (Cisco) and 1 more product.
  • It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Apr 17, 2019. Public exploit code is available.
  • EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
  • Fixed versions are available, including Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.1.7.29, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.2.4.33, Adaptive Security Appliance Software 9.4.4.18.
  • Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.

CVSS v3.1

7.5

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)

100%

Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs

Exploited in the wild

Yes

4 catalog listings

Public exploit code

Available

Proof-of-concept or weaponized module

Get the full CVE-2018-0296 brief as a PDF

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Description

A vulnerability in the web interface of the Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to cause an affected device to reload unexpectedly, resulting in a denial of service (DoS) condition. It is also possible on certain software releases that the ASA will not reload, but an attacker could view sensitive system information without authentication by using directory traversal techniques. The vulnerability is due to lack of proper input validation of the HTTP URL. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted HTTP request to an affected device. An exploit could allow the attacker to cause a DoS condition or unauthenticated disclosure of information. This vulnerability applies to IPv4 and IPv6 HTTP traffic. This vulnerability affects Cisco ASA Software and Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD) Software that is running on the following Cisco products: 3000 Series Industrial Security Appliance (ISA), ASA 1000V Cloud Firewall, ASA 5500 Series Adaptive Security Appliances, ASA 5500-X Series Next-Generation Firewalls, ASA Services Module for Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches and Cisco 7600 Series Routers, Adaptive Security Virtual Appliance (ASAv), Firepower 2100 Series Security Appliance, Firepower 4100 Series Security Appliance, Firepower 9300 ASA Security Module, FTD Virtual (FTDv). Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvi16029.

Known-Exploited Catalog Listings

CatalogAddedRemediation dueRansomware use
CISA KEVNov 3, 2021May 3, 2022Not reported
Industry KEV feedApr 17, 2019May 3, 2022Not reported
CIRCL KEVNov 3, 2021May 3, 2022Not reported
ENISA EUVDNov 3, 2021n/aNot reported

Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

Affected Products

10 affected entries in total
ProductAffected versionsFixed in
Firepower Threat DefenseCisco6.2.3, 6.2.3.1, 6.2.3-85.02, 6.2.3-8516.1.0
Secure Firewall Threat DefenseCisco6.2.3, 6.2.3.16.1.0
Adaptive Security Appliance SoftwareCiscoSee advisory9.1.7.29
Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance unknown>= Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance unknownn/a

Patched Releases

Adaptive Security Appliance Software

9.1.7.29, 9.2.4.33, 9.4.4.18, 9.6.4.8, 9.7.1.24, 9.8.2.28, 9.9.2.1

Firepower Threat Defense

6.1.0

Secure Firewall Threat Defense

6.1.0, 6.2.2.3

Timeline

  1. Publicly disclosed

    Jun 7, 2018

  2. Added to Industry KEV feed

    Apr 17, 2019

  3. Added to CISA KEV

    Nov 3, 2021

  4. Added to CIRCL KEV

    Nov 3, 2021

  5. Added to ENISA EUVD

    Nov 3, 2021

  6. Last updated

    Aug 11, 2026

Weakness Type

  • CWE-20 Improper Input Validation
  • CWE-22 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')

References

14 more references in the full CVE brief

FAQ

Common Questions.

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